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The South African
7 minutes ago
- Politics
- The South African
Gayton responds to rumours PA spiked voters' drinks
Gayton McKenzie has clapped back at reports that his political party, the Patriotic Alliance, spiked the drinks of prospective voters with alcohol. The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture responded to the claims made by a Democratic Alliance representative following a by-election in Nelson Mandela Bay. The parties disputed over the governance of Ward 34, which the DA ultimately won. According to a media report, DA representative Georgina Feldtman accused the PA of trying to bribe voters with cash at the polling station. Feltman claimed that voters were also given instructions on how to mark their ballot papers in favour of the party governed by Gayton McKenzie. She sensationally also claimed that the party had 'spiked' the water bottles for voters with gin. Responding to the allegation, Gayton clapped back on Facebook: 'The way she is talking, she not only tasted the gin but drank the whole bottles out before she spoke s**t'. Die way sy praat het sy nie net die Gin geproe maar die hele bottles uitgedrink voor sy die stront gepraat het 🤣 Posted by Gayton Mckenzie on Friday 25 July 2025 In an X post, Gayton McKenzie also accused the DA of spreading misinformation about him relating to a viral image, which mistakenly accused him of being associated with alleged murder mastermind, Katiso Molefe. The Sandton businessman was arrested on Monday, 21 July, after allegedly ordering a hit on Oupa John Sefoka, also known as DJ Sumbody, in 2021. On social media, an image of Gayton, PA deputy president Kenny Kunene and another man – later identified as Dan Bhuga – went viral. Many South Africans mistakenly confused the man with Molefe. Gayton McKenzie has responded to a viral pic of him and a friend, mistaken to be Katiso Molefe. The PA leader claims that the DA started the rumour. Images via X: @gaytonmck Gayton clapped back on X: 'Thank you very much, Patriots. The DA was delivering fake pictures of me with murder suspects to every house. But our people know that we would not lie to them. The WC is no longer a given for the DA.' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
2 hours ago
- Sport
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs news: Cape Town duo await legal breakthrough
Kaizer Chiefs are edging closer to bolstering their attack with two young prospects but legal complications have placed the final signatures on hold. Chiefs are believed to have agreed personal terms with Cape Town Spurs duo Asanele Velebayi and Luke Baartman, yet a court case now clouds the finalisation. The Soweto giants, who have already welcomed six new players in this window, moved swiftly to secure the pair after Spurs dropped from the Motsepe Foundation Championship into the amateur ranks of the ABC Motsepe League. Chiefs' legal advisors argue that due to relegation both players are no longer contractually tied to the Cape Town outfit. Cape Town Spurs, however, are not stepping aside quietly. The club has launched legal action, insisting that the contracts remain binding despite the demotion and seeking to block the deals until the dispute is resolved. According to sources close to the situation, Chiefs remain confident that the legal proceedings will eventually favour their interpretation. While no official timeline has been given, the club is hoping both players will join the squad before the close of the transfer window. With half a dozen new signings already secured, the pursuit of Velebayi and Baartman would lift Kaizer Chiefs' off-season tally to eight, underlining their ambition to mount a serious challenge in the campaign ahead. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Also, Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
3 hours ago
- Sport
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs fight off Euro interest to secure own rising star
Kaizer Chiefs have launched a decisive move to secure the future of rising star Aden McCarthy, as European clubs circle the promising 21-year-old defender. The highly-rated youngster caught the eye during the club's recent pre-season tour of the Netherlands, where he featured prominently and impressed with his strength and tactical adaptability. According to a source, two top Dutch clubs have placed McCarthy firmly on their radar. By closely monitoring his progress after witnessing his performances abroad. 'His physical attributes and tactical versatility have drawn real attention,' the source revealed. Highlighting why clubs in Europe are showing strong interest. McCarthy made his senior debut for Chiefs at the end of last season, after steadily rising through the ranks following his promotion during the club's transfer ban four years ago. Despite the long wait, his breakthrough now signals a new chapter in his career. Chiefs head coach Nasreddine Nabi has taken a keen interest in McCarthy's development and wants him fully integrated into the first team. Sources at Naturena confirm that Nabi views the youngster as a reliable option at left centre-back and left-back, positions that have lacked consistency in recent seasons. 'Nabi sees him as a long-term solution,' the source added. 'The club wants to keep him and build around his potential.' Amakhosi are now working to finalise a first-team contract for McCarthy that will not only reflect his growing role but also fend off potential suitors from Europe. The proposed deal would also provide a clear developmental pathway under Nabi's leadership. Aden carries both legacy and expectation, because of his father Fabian. He's expected to play a key role in the club's final pre-season clash against Asante Kotoko in the Toyota Cup. Underlining his importance ahead of the new campaign. Should Aden McCarthy stay at Kaizer Chiefs or go Dutch? Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Verge
4 hours ago
- The Verge
The UK's new age-gating rules are easy to bypass
Platforms like Reddit, Bluesky, Discord, and Pornhub have been rolling out mandatory age verification requirements in the UK over the past few weeks to comply with new online safety rules. While the age-gating aims to keep children from accessing pornographic material and other 'harmful content' outlined by the UK's communications regulator Ofcom, there's a glaring issue: it relies on kids not knowing how to use a VPN. As reports have noted across Reddit, Bluesky, and the comments on The Verge's quick post this morning, many online platforms ask users to verify their age based on their IP address. If the user's IP address doesn't indicate that they're located in the UK — a capability offered by even most free-to-use VPN services — they're free to keep using the web without having their identity checked. Ofcom didn't specify exactly how it wanted online platforms to verify user ages, only that the methods must be 'strong' and 'highly effective.' Several of the age checkers I've seen offer similar options: users can either choose to confirm their age by uploading bank card information, an image of their government-issued ID, or a selfie used to estimate their age. It's unclear if those selfie options could be spoofed by simply getting an older-looking friend to complete to process. In my testing of the Bluesky and Reddit face scanners, both were at least unwilling to verify images on my phone that I was holding up to my webcam. A VPN allows users to bypass age checks entirely, however, and teens are savvy enough to figure that out. I should know, given I was using them at 14 to bypass firewalls on my school computers. And VPNs aren't the only workaround — some ad blockers like uBlock Origin allow users to create custom filters that can bypass age restrictions. Third-party Bluesky apps like Klearsky haven't introduced age checkers yet, and there are more technical solutions that involve installing userscripts and using self-hosted data servers. If the spike in Brits searching for the term 'VPN' on Google is any indication, word of the loophole is spreading fast. Posts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All by Jess Weatherbed Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Analysis Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Law Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Policy Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Social Media Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Tech
The South African
4 hours ago
- Sport
- The South African
Sibisi? Xoki? Ndah?: Captaincy question lingers at Orlando Pirates
As the new season kicks off next weekend, questions have arisen regarding the captaincy at Orlando Pirates. Following the departure of regular captain Innocent Maela, the club has not yet announced a new official skipper. Last season, Nkosinathi Sibisi captained most matches and is a strong contender to take on the role permanently. The experienced defender has stepped up in the absence of Olisah Ndah, Tapelo Xoki, and Maela. With new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou set to lead his first official match, it remains uncertain who he will choose as captain of Orlando Pirates. Here are the options for the captaincy: 1. Olisah Ndah When fit, Ndah has proven to be a calming presence in defence and has saved the Buccaneers on several occasions. However, he hasn't played in over a year, and his fitness remains a concern. 2. Tapelo Xoki Although not a favourite among some Pirates fans, the 30-year-old has served the club with dignity over the past three years. His commanding presence and leadership on the pitch have often been praised, which is why Jose Riveiro entrusted him with the captaincy for two seasons. 3. Mbekezile Mbokazi The 19-year-old was given the captain's armband during some pre-season matches, indicating that Ouaddou may see potential leadership qualities in him. While it is unlikely he will be named the new captain, expect him to wear the armband in matches that do not feature Ndah or Sibisi. According to Soccer Laduma , Sibisi is in pole position for the Orlando Pirates captaincy. 'Sibisi is the logical choice to take over permanently, but it might not be a straightforward appointment,' a source told the publication. 'The coaches are also looking at Ndah and Xoki as part of a leadership group, and it could change depending on who's playing and available. It's a long season, and they need flexibility. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
